INCIDENCE OF DRY EYES IN SMARTPHONE USERS AMONG UNDERGRADUATES

Digital technology advances have increased smartphone usage, particularly among undergraduates who use these devices for communication, entertainment, and education. However, prolonged screen time negatively impacts eye health. Smartphone screens' small size and close viewing distance increase accommodative demand on eye muscles, causing fatigue, blurring, and decreased blink rate, leading to Dry Eye Disease (DED). Blue light emission damages tear film and increases inflammatory markers. This study examined the relationship between smartphone usage and DED in undergraduates. A questionnaire and clinical tear film evaluation were conducted on 200 undergraduates from Guntur Medical College, Guntur. Results showed 84% experienced dry eye symptoms, 48% were clinically diagnosed with DED, 8% had severe dry eye, 5% had meibomian gland dysfunction, and 3% were contact lens users. Early identification of risk factors and DED diagnosis can prevent serious complications. This research highlights the significant prevalence of dry eye symptoms in smartphone-using students.